Land buy part of a bigger park plan in Georgetown

The small lot at the corner of River Avenue and Baldwin Street in Jenison ia an important part of future recreation plans.ED ROJAS

Purchase of a small piece of land on Baldwin Street adds one
more piece to the puzzle that when complete will provide access to recreational
space on the Grand River in Georgetown Township.

The property at 111 Baldwin St. (a lot with a house at the northeast
corner of River Avenue) was purchased by the township for $110,000 this month.
The seller has until Oct. 15 to vacate.

Township Manager Dan Carlton said the property figures into
a plan to create access to the Grand River recreational space. The township
already owns about 13 acres along the west side of River Avenue, and a 15-foot-wide
strip to the river.

"This is a joint project with the county," said Carlton. "We
are trying to create a lot for parking. We need more property to gain access to
recreational opportunities." The Township Board has approved a contract with MC
Smith for an update of the five-year Township Park Plan. Discussion is expected
to begin this summer, with adoption by the end of the year.

John Scholtz, director of the Ottawa County Parks
Department called the purchase "part of our big vision for the Ottawa County Greenway
park project." Plans include a kayak launch and a non-motorized pathway that
would link to nearby Kent Trails and Millennium Park.

The fact that the River Avenue corner is near the 200
Baldwin St. property, now under consideration for development by the
township, is also a plus, Carlton said.

Georgetown Township also is selling a high-profile piece of
land, the northeast corner of Baldwin Street and 48th Avenue, just
south of the Community Ice Center, purchased about 10 years ago with no
particular purpose in mind. Listing
arrangements have not yet been completed.